999 calls ‘may not get ambulance’

Londoners with minor injuries were today warned not to expect an ambulance to help them as 999 calls reach record levels.

New figures released by the London Ambulance Service reveal it received 1.6 million emergency calls over the past year — an increase of nearly 112,000 — making it the busiest year ever.

But the LAS made fewer ambulance journeys over that period than in the year before and warned that an ambulance would not be sent unless a patient’s condition was immediately life-threatening or serious.

The service said this would ensure patients most at risk get the fastest response — not those with minor injuries such as sore throats and skin rashes. Paul Woodrow, deputy director of operations, said: “The clear message is you don’t automatically get an ambulance if you dial 999. We’ll refer people with minor injuries to their GP.”

LAS crews are still meeting targets to reach critically ill patients within eight minutes.